Bioclimatic pergola: how to choose?

Before getting to the heart of the matter, let's take a look at what a bioclimatic pergola is.

Over the last few years, this pergola has become increasingly popular. In a way, it's the little sister of the traditional fixed pergola. Set against the house or as an island (self-supporting), its distinctive feature is its slatted roof. These slats are adjustable. So you can protect yourself from the elements or enjoy the sun's rays to your heart's content. Even more practical, if the pergola is attached to the house, the slats can regulate the temperature inside the house, letting in more or less heat. And that means energy savings.

Akena Pergola - Bioclimatique sur mesure - Vue sur piscine

Akena Pergola Bioclimatique - Bandeaux RGB - Lames orientables

What materials should be used for the posts and cross-members of your pergola?

Thanks to its exceptional durability, aluminium is the material of choice. It's aesthetically pleasing and lightweight , and can withstand the elements and the seasons. Aluminium allows you to customise your pergola, right down to the colour. Anthracite grey, frosted black, white, textured beige and much more... To enhance your new living space, aluminium offers a wide range of modern colours.

Akena Véranda - Pergola Bioclimatique - Lames orientables

Which roof for your bioclimatic pergola?

The essential element of a bioclimatic pergola is its roof, which is made up of motorised slats, and the quality of this is crucial. Choosing a 100% powder-coated aluminium roof, like the structure, is a priority. You'll find single- and double-walled slats. More than the length, the thickness is a guarantee of quality. The rotation mechanism is also an important element to consider when designing your pergola. The mechanism is subject to a great deal of friction and rotation, so its robustness will be synonymous with longevity. The orientation of the slats and the ability to adjust them to the nearest degree is also an essential factor in managing sunlight comfortably.

Bioclimatic pergola: what additional equipment is required?

Accessories and options enhance the comfort of a bioclimatic pergola. As well as the slats, which can be oriented either parallel or perpendicular, there are a host of equipment options to make this new space a real place to live.

Here are the most popular options:

Adjustable slats that adapt to the weather autonomously thanks to a rain or wind sensor,
Laminated glass skylight,

Motorised awnings that provide protection from the sun and give you more privacy,
LED spotlighting or strip lighting, available in a range of colours,

Picture windows, to protect you from the wind and rain without turning your pergola into a conservatory,
Heating, so you can enjoy your new space all year round...

The lean-to pergola

Attached to the house, and if its dimensions are limited, you can use it as a porch or awning. It provides shelter from the elements once the slats are closed, so you can spend more time outside. Adaptable to the season and the outdoor climate, it will be just as much appreciated in early spring, when the slightest ray of sunshine is eagerly sought, as in midsummer, when you're looking for shade above all else. Its benefits will also be felt in the home, as you can manage the amount of sunlight available through the windows or glass doors that open onto the pergola.

Akena Pergola - Double module - Lames orientables

Double module pergola

A slightly larger bioclimatic pergola will define a terrace, where you can install garden furniture. Once again, the fact that you can switch from an open roof to a closed one means that you can leave lounge accessories such as floor cushions or carpets outside for longer. This way, you can create a truly cosy atmosphere, without fear of damaging the textiles. This is especially true if your adjustable slats are linked to a weather station, which will automatically close them when it rains, even when you're away.

Akena Pergola - Multi-option Bioclimatique - Salon de jardin

The island pergola

The pergola can also be placed away from the house. In the garden, it creates a separate terrace, like a modern gazebo, that adapts to the weather and the vagaries of the climate. It's also a welcome addition near the swimming pool, providing shelter for deckchairs and a choice of sun or shade. It can also be used as a roof for an outdoor shower, for example.

Summer kitchen

A bioclimatic pergola also means you can have a summer kitchen. The reclosable roof will shelter your household appliances. You can then fully deploy your kitchen, with a fridge, cupboards for your crockery and a few condiments, and cooking methods that are far more advanced than the simple barbecue.

Akena Carport - Protection voiture - Annexe garage

Car protection

Finally, the bioclimatic pergola will also be appreciated for protecting the car. Remote-controlled or automated, it will prevent you from getting into an overheated car in the height of summer. All the while enjoying welcome warmth in the colder months.

The first thing to consider when choosing a bioclimatic pergola is where it will be installed. To be really useful, this structure needs to be installed where it will be of real interest all year round. Generally speaking, you'll want to install it on the sunniest front of the house, out of sight if possible. The bioclimatic pergola can be made from a variety of materials. Wood and iron may look good, but they also require a lot of maintenance.

To limit the amount of cleaning required, it's a good idea to opt for a bioclimatic aluminium pergola. When it comes to adjustable slats, you should also opt for an aluminium cover, which is appreciated for its strength and aesthetic appeal. Although it is possible to opt for a retractable cover, this solution is less versatile than adjustable aluminium slats.

Technical considerations aside, the choice of a bioclimatic pergola should be based on the level of comfort required. If you want to make life easier, it's best to opt for a structure with motorised adjustable slats. This means you can open and close the roof at the click of a button.

There are other features for added comfort, such as sliding glass panels that can close off the sides of the pergola. You can also choose to install a misting system, heating, lighting, a sunbreaker or even side roller shutters. The final selection criterion is the design of your bioclimatic pergola. While most structures are contemporary in style, you can opt for a different look. This structure offers a wide choice of shades, colours and even shapes : the perfect opportunity to choose the bioclimatic pergola that suits you best.